I’m thankful for many things at Swarthmore.
All my classes and labs are in modern, well-lit, climate-controlled spaces.
My class/lab schedule this semester requires me to eat at some unusual times, but there is always somewhere that I can use my swipes or dining dollars for a nourishing meal.
I’ve had a nice mix of on-campus jobs that have allowed me to give back to the community while gaining skills and experience for my future career.
The train station is steps away from the base of campus and I can take a free ride into Philly anytime for a class or just because.
Despite some conflicts and a few popular classes where I didn’t make the lottery, I’ve been able to build a schedule of four academic classes and two ballet classes each semester that has challenged, but not overwhelmed me.
My professors have overwhelmingly been passionate about their subjects, supportive of my learning, and available to students for questions or collaboration.
These are all “big things” that have had a positive impact on my college experience. Here are some little things about Swarthmore that bring me joy
Our beautiful campus…
The tree behind Singer Hall that turns a brilliant orangey-pink color in the fall
The random flowers on campus that bloom in November or March, stubbornly refusing to let a little cold weather stop them from putting on a show
The caramel smell of fallen leaves that wafts into my nose on my short walk to Woolman and Kyle dorms to hang up posters for a SAM event I’m hosting
Our dining center…
The lovely woman that smiles and wishes me a good day after she cooks up my fried egg each morning
The grape juice and sparkling water that I can mix together into a concoction that tastes just like fancy sparkling grape juice
The new cookie warmer at the dessert station that levels up the already delicious chocolate chip cookies to ooey-gooey-melty perfection
Our Dance department…
Paul, the incredibly talented pianist who provides live accompaniment for each one of my ballet classes
The Dance Department – Bookstore partnership that allows dance students to use TAP (Textbook Affordability Program) funds to purchase our “dance materials” (pointe shoes, ballet flats, tights, etc)
The fact that we have such an awesome theater space that they can make it snow on stage at the end of our Waltz of the Snowflakes performance at the Fall Dance Concert
The people…
My organic chemistry professor who greets me by name every time we pass each other on campus (an almost daily occurrence), even though I haven’t taken a class with him for a year
My roommate who I still live with as a junior (even though ⅔ of juniors get singles) just because we’re such close friends and have so much fun living together
The student that came to the chemistry TA session I was running one night and told us we could see the aurora borealis from right outside the Science Center – it was a breathtaking view I’ll never forget
